Does anyone automate their tank?

[AydenLincoln]

not trying to derail your thread, just showing you some automation is good, but not all is needed.

I understand. And it’s not supposed to be a replacement to manual.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I was looking at Neptune Apex and Hydros big price difference but this hobby is expensive. I have a 20 gallon nano and I honestly think tank automation is so cool and the lazy way which I like the idea of. I know Neptune Apex is seen as the best/top notch. Specifically for testing. Any other brands I should know about?

My tank has quite a lot of automation, primarily because I routinely spend more than 4 weeks away in places where internet access is fuzzy at best.

Automation with on call/on site LFS support is the only way for me.

When I'm home, I'm very hands on basically watching like a hawk so I know I can trust the systems when I'm not here.

 

[Jedi1199]

Other than ATO which I have on 2 of my 3 tanks, I have no automation at all. My main display reef tank runs on canister filters and a small tank where I house the skimmer.

Like @outhouse I actually very rarely test my parameters. BUT, also like him, I have decades of aquarium keeping under my belt that gives me a bit of an advantage for this.

That said, I am very diligent about my water change and filter cleaning schedule. If you know you have 30% new clean water in the system every week and you keep your filters clean (I have 2 and clean them alternately every week) then really, what do you need to test for? I test about every 8 to 12 weeks, just to keep a general idea where things are. As my tank grows out, I may find a need to test more frequently and or automate a dosing setup. For now, my system runs just fine the way I have it.